Judiciary Committee advances wide-ranging legislation
Briggs says votes reflect a commitment to fairness, accountability, and public protection
Rep. Liz Hanbidge September 22, 2025
HARRISBURG, Sept. 22 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, today announced that in addition to a package of gun violence bills, the committee also advanced a slate of bills and resolutions addressing criminal justice reform, protections for vulnerable populations, and support for public safety professionals.
“The Judiciary Committee continues to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities,” Briggs said. “These bills represent meaningful progress toward fairness, safety, and accountability, while also recognizing the sacrifices made by our veterans and ensuring Pennsylvania’s justice system operates with transparency and integrity.”
Below is a summary of the bills approved:
House Bill 413 (Prime sponsor: Rep. Tim Briggs): This bill aims to reduce false confessions and increase transparency by requiring law enforcement to electronically record custodial interrogations involving crimes of violence. It draws on model legislation already in place in multiple states.
House Bill 706 (Prime sponsor: Rep. David Zimmerman): Waives the $20 concealed carry license fee for honorably discharged veterans and residents 65 years of age or older, with oversight from county governing bodies and consultation with the sheriff.
House Bill 728 (Prime sponsor: Rep. Emily Kinkead): Helps individuals leaving incarceration obtain essential identification documents—such as a state ID, Social Security card, or birth certificate—to facilitate access to employment, housing, and education by establishing the Identification Upon Reentry Program.
“If we are truly committed to lowering recidivism in the Commonwealth, then the state investing in setting returning citizens up for success is common sense,” Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said. “If we are unwilling to help these folks get basic documents that many of us take for granted, like IDs and work permits, then we also must admit to our constituents that we do not actually care about preventing crime. Paying for IDs now saves us from paying for re-incarceration later.”
House Bill 1613 (Prime sponsor: Rep. Liz Hanbidge): Strengthens protections for minors taken into custody, requiring access to legal counsel, parental/guardian notification, and rules governing interrogations of children.
“I’m proud to see HB1613 move forward with the support of the House Judiciary Committee," Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, said. "Far too often, children in Pennsylvania are interrogated without a parent, guardian, or attorney present—and without a real understanding of the rights they’re being asked to give up. This bill ensures that no child has to face that situation alone. It’s a commonsense step to protect young people, reduce the risk of false confessions, uphold constitutional rights, and bring Pennsylvania’s practices in line with what research and justice demand."
House Bill 1722 (Prime sponsor: Rep. Jim Rigby): Adjusts the compensation for the Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner by classifying the agency as large under current law, to align pay with comparable positions.
House Resolution 165 (Prime sponsor: Rep. Mary Jo Daley): Directs a study of pretrial detention practices in Pennsylvania to examine size, cost, demographics, lengths of detention, use of bail or remand.
House Resolution 279 (Prime sponsors: Reps. Sheryl Delozier and Carol Hill-Evans):
Designates October 2025 “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania and encourages awareness of resources and support.
“The Judiciary Committee continues to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities,” Briggs said. “These bills represent meaningful progress toward fairness, safety, and accountability.”
All approved legislation now moves to the full House for further consideration.